'Designated Survivor' episode 4 spoilers: Kirkman faces increasing domestic problems; will he agree with General Cochrane and go to war?

(Facebook/DesignatedSurvivor)President Kirkman continues to be besieged with international and domestic problems.

ABC's new political drama "Designated Survivor" has already hit its stride three episodes in, drawing viewers in and leaving them at the edge of their seats as new US President Tom Kirkman tries to find his footing while doing his best for the country. But how long can he stay in office with so many players out for power?

The previous episode saw Tom (Kiefer Sutherland) facing one crisis after the other. Not only was the White House hacked but a member of his inner circle leaked a controversial video that he specifically ordered to be kept a secret. The newly minted president was also forced to reveal that he was actually demoted by the previous president, raising questions about the legitimacy of his presidency.

But there was one good thing that came out of those crises — Congresswoman Kimble Hookstratten (Virginia Madsen) finally showed her true colors. Tom might be aware that Kimble is after the presidency but, unfortunately, his wife is not. Episode 4 will see Alex Kirkman (Natascha McElhone) reaching out to Kimble for help only to find that she might be in more than she bargained for. Meanwhile, the president finally discovers who's behind the attack and has to face not only the possibility of war but rising domestic problems. As he deals with one, he tasks Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) to keep watch over the domestic situation.

A trailer for the upcoming episode, aptly titled "The Enemy," starts with new Chief of Staff Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) reminding Emily that her boss "is the most powerful man in the world" and cautioned her that he will do things she might not agree with. The senior advisor's face falls, but viewers can see that she knows what Aaron is saying is true.

The clip teases that the power grab has started, especially now that the country is under attack. One scene shows tanks are rolling as Tom gives orders to "federalize Michigan National Guard." Unfortunately, the president's decisions are also under attack. General Cochrane (Kevin McNally) can be seen confronting the president and reminding him that his diplomacy hasn't worked. It appears that the general wants to try a more forceful option. Kimble is also shown giving Tom's wife some advice. She tells Alex that they all want to do the right thing, but the right thing isn't free. Fans will undoubtedly wonder what Kimble is up to now. The trailer ends with Tom confessing to his wife that he never imagined he would have to choose who lives or dies.

The stakes are certainly getting higher and alliances are becoming murkier going toward the next episode. Fans should tune in to see who the real enemy is.

Episode 4 of "Designated Survivor" is set to be aired on ABC on Oct. 12 at 10 p.m.

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